We run a number of initiatives to help small local black-run businesses develop and prosper. In one example, Lion Smelter in Limpopo Province, South Africa, gave employment opportunities to a local Steelpoort company during a long-term project to construct a new smelter. Steve Mokota owns Gobetse Construction, a small local business with core competencies that include building/construction, renovations, maintenance and related activities.

We linked Gobetse Construction up with our Business Support Centre and assisted the company with relevant business incubation, support and statutory compliance services, as part of the development process.

We put the business in contact with our main building contractor to ensure the necessary trade skills and training could be obtained.

We made the opportunity official by signing up to an offtake agreement; 30% of the total value of this specific opportunity within the main contract was ringfenced for Gobetse Building & Construction.

This initiative gave the company financial stability and sustainability and the opportunity to create several jobs for local people.

It was able to grow to a level where it won more work from other mines and sectors in the Steelpoort region.